The Los Angeles Lakers roared back into contention in the NBA playoffs on Tuesday night, leveling their Western Conference first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a gritty 94-85 win. The victory came on the heels of a crushing game-one loss and was powered by Luka Doncic’s near triple-double and LeBron James’ all-around brilliance.
Doncic, who was acquired in a high-profile trade earlier this year, led the charge with 31 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists, narrowly missing his first postseason triple-double in a Lakers uniform. James, now in his 22nd season and eyeing a fifth NBA title, added 21 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists in a performance that reasserted Los Angeles’ playoff intent.
The Lakers built a commanding 22-point lead, sparked by a 10-point burst in the first quarter, and maintained control until a shaky final period where they managed only 13 points. Despite a late push from Minnesota—led by Julius Randle’s 27 points and Anthony Edwards’ 25—the Lakers’ early dominance proved enough to seal the win.
Elsewhere in the league, the Indiana Pacers held off the Milwaukee Bucks 123-115 to take a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference series. Pascal Siakam starred for Indiana with 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Tyrese Haliburton chipped in 21 points and 12 assists. The Bucks made a fourth-quarter run, cutting a 15-point deficit to just two, but late three-pointers from Siakam and Andrew Nembhard sealed the deal for the Pacers.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led all scorers with 34 points and added 18 rebounds and seven assists, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Indiana’s balanced attack. Damian Lillard returned to action for Milwaukee after a five-week absence, contributing 14 points and seven assists in a valiant effort.
In Oklahoma City, the Thunder continued their dominance with a 118-99 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, building on their record-breaking 51-point game-one win. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (27 points), Jalen Williams (24), and rookie standout Chet Holmgren (20 points, 11 rebounds, five blocks) spearheaded another commanding performance.
Memphis showed brief signs of life in the third quarter, but a 9-0 Thunder run to start the fourth put the game out of reach. The Grizzlies, led by Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant, struggled to keep pace and now face an uphill battle down 0-2 in the series.
As the playoffs intensify, the Lakers have reignited their title hopes, while the Pacers and Thunder inch closer to the second round.
